PAPAYA/ PAWPAW(Carica papaya)
• Papaya (Carica papaya) belongs to the family Caricaceae.
• It is a native of tropical America and has spread all over the tropical
and warmer subtropical parts of the world. It is a smaller
unbranched soft-wooded tree with latex vessels throughout the
plant.
• Papaya is grown mainly for fresh consumption or for production of
the proteolytic enzyme papain from the fruit latex.
• The papaya plant is usually dioecious with either male or female
flowers. However, hermaphrodite (bisexual) trees also occur. Like
many other climacteric fruits, papaya has a short postharvest life.
The pawpaw is a polygamous species.
The plants may be classified into three primary sex types:
▪ Male (staminate)
▪ Hermaphroditic (bisexual)
▪ Female (pistillate)
In addition, some plants can produce, at the same time, more than one kind of flower.
Also, some produce flowers that are not of these basic forms but exhibit different degrees of
maleness and femaleness.
This tendency to change in sexual expression seems to be triggered by climatic factors, such as drought
and variable temperatures. The tendency to produce male flowers seems to increase at high
temperatures.
Since male trees are unfruitful and fruit from bisexual plants is preferred in some markets, it is very
important to select seed which will give a maximum number of fruitful trees of the desired type.
This can't be done by simply saving seed from productive open-pollinated plants, but one can predict
accurately the progeny by knowing the source of pollen and the kind of flower the fruit came from.
Accordingly, the grower must hand pollinate to obtain the desired combination of flower types.
This is done covering an unopened flower, either bisexual or pistillate, with a paper bag until it opens
and then transferring the desired pollen onto the receptive pistil.
Latex from the Papaya
Papain, an enzyme extracted from papaya, has a wide
range of uses across various industries due to its ability to
break down proteins. Here are some of its key applications:
1. Food Industry
• Acts as a meat tenderizer, breaking down tough
proteins and making meat softer.
• Used in the production of brewing and baking products
to enhance texture and quality.
• Helps clarify beers and juices by removing unwanted
proteins.
2. Medical and Pharmaceutical Use
• Aids in wound care as it helps remove dead tissues
(debridement) and promotes healing.
• Included in some digestive enzyme supplements to
improve protein digestion.
• Used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions due
to its anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Cosmetic Industry
• An active ingredient in skincare products, such as exfoliants,
as it gently removes dead skin cells and promotes a brighter
complexion.
• Helps reduce acne scars and blemishes due to its soothing
effects on the skin.
4. Textile and Leather Industry
• Used in processing wool and silk to soften the texture.
• Applied in the leather industry to help break down proteins
during tanning.
5. Agricultural Applications
• Incorporated into animal feed to improve protein digestibility
for livestock.
• Applied in organic farming as a biocontrol agent to manage
pests.
Papain is extracted from the latex of
unripe papaya fruits. Here's a
simplified overview of the process: Shallow cuts (about 2 mm deep)
are made on the fruit's surface to
release the milky latex.
Unripe papayas (usually 90–100
Harvesting Latex:
days old) are selected.
The latex is collected multiple
times (usually 4–6 tappings)
The collected latex is sieved to over a few days.
Filtration: remove impurities like dirt or
plant debris.
The filtered latex is dried either in
the sun or using vacuum drying
Drying:
methods to preserve the enzyme's
activity.
The dried latex is further processed to
isolate and purify the papain enzyme.
Purification: This may involve techniques like
ammonium sulfate precipitation or
ultrafiltration.
Papain
Extraction
• Excessive cool temperatures alter fruit
flavor.
• The papaya plant will continue to bear
fruits for years but reduces as the plant
ages and thus harvesting becomes a
problem.
• On large scale production, fields are
replanted after fallowing for about 4-5
years.
• Papaya grows best in a well drained, well
aerated and rich organic matter soil, pH
5.5-6.7.
• The plants are frost-sensitive and can
only be grown between latitudes 32′ N
and S with optimal growth at 22-26°C
and an evenly distributed rainfall of
1000-1500 mm.
• The amount of water available to the plant determines the fruit
size and fruit quality.
• In high soil moisture the fruit is larger and develops a watery
pulp. There is the risk of fruits being easily damaged especially
during transport.
• In dry conditions, the fruits are smaller with a hard texture
when ripe.
• The plant does not tolerate strong winds and prolonged periods
of flooding.
• Papaya prefers good climate (pH 5.5-6.7, temperature: 22-
26°C, rainfall: 1000-1500mm) for proper growth and
development.
• It must have adequate or optimum temperature throughout the
year for good yield.
• Plants mature in 6 to 9 months in warmer growing regions, and
in 9 to 11 months in cooler regions.
• A mature papaya plant can produce as many as 100 fruits per
growing season.
• Papaya plants generally flowers 4 months after planting and
fruits 7 to 11 months after planting.
• Growers can manipulate when plants will produce fruit by
removing the first fruits at about 7 months after planting, thus
forcing the plant to re-flower and produce fruit six to eight
weeks later.
• Some, however, can survive the high humidity of
equatorial zones.
• The best fruit develops under full sunlight in the
final 4-5 days to full ripeness on the tree.
• Papayas are usually grown from seeds.
• Papaya seed is surrounded by a sarcotesta that
causes a slow and low germination.
• Germination occurs within 2-4 weeks after sowing.
While seeds may be sowed directly in the orchard,
some orchards are started with established seedlings
(6-8 weeks after germination).
• Sex of a given plant cannot be determined for up to 6
months after germination, although molecular
methods for detection are now available.
• At this time, plants are thinned to achieve the desired
sex ratio and to reduce competition between plants,
which would later affect fruit production.
• For dioecious varieties, a ratio of one male to 8-10
female plants is recommended to maximise yield
whereas one bisexual plant is left in each planting
position.
• Vegetative propagation of papaya is possible but is
not widely practiced except in South Africa where
rooting of cuttings is used to eliminate variability in
some papaya varieties.
India is the largest
producer of papayas
globally, contributing over
38% of the world's Ghana's contribution to
production. Other major the global papaya market
producers include Brazil, is relatively small.
Indonesia, the Dominican
Republic, and Mexico
In 2022, Ghana produced
approximately 5,700 tons of While Ghana's papaya
papayas, which is a modest production has remained
figure compared to major steady over recent years,
producers like India and its share in the global
Brazil. market is minimal.
Ghana has significant potential to expand its papaya
production and strengthen its role in the global market.
Here are some strategies that could help:
Investing in High-Yield Varieties:
• Introducing and cultivating high-yield papaya
varieties, such as the "Golden Papaya," could
boost production and profitability.
Improving Pest Management:
• Addressing challenges like the papaya
mealybug through sustainable pest control
methods can reduce crop losses and improve
export quality.
Enhancing Export Infrastructure:
• Developing better storage, transportation, and
packaging facilities can ensure that papayas
reach international markets in optimal
condition.
Leveraging
Exploring New Capacity Building for
Geographical
Markets Farmers
Advantage
Ghana could target Providing training on Ghana's proximity to
emerging markets in modern farming Europe offers a
Europe, such as Poland, techniques and market logistical edge over
Portugal, and Italy, trends can empower competitors like Brazil,
where demand for farmers to increase which could be
papayas is growing. productivity and meet capitalized on to reduce
international standards. shipping times and
costs
VARIETIES
VARIETIES OFOF PAPAYA
PAPAYA
• Kapoho solo: It is a popular variety of papaya, especially known for its sweet flavor and
creamy texture. It is pear-shaped, with a smooth, thin skin that turns yellow-orange when
ripe. The flesh is vibrant orange-yellow, tender, and juicy, making it a favorite for fresh
consumption, smoothies, and various culinary use.
• Rainbow: It is a genetically engineered variety developed to combat the devastating papaya
ringspot virus (PRSV). It was created by crossing the yellow-flesh Kapoho Solo papaya
with the red-flesh SunUp variety. This hybrid is resistant to PRSV, which had severely
impacted papaya production in Hawaii during the 1990s.
• The Rainbow papaya has been a game-changer for the Hawaiian papaya industry, helping it
recover from near collapse. It accounts for a significant portion of Hawaii's papaya acreage
and is known for its excellent taste, vibrant color, and high nutritional value.
VARIETIES OF PAPAYA
• Sunrise: also known as Sunrise Solo or ‘Strawberry’ papaya, is a highly sought-after
variety of papaya. It is renowned for its vibrant reddish-orange flesh, sweet flavor, and smooth
texture. This variety is medium-sized, typically weighing around 400-600 grams, and has a
pear-shaped form with a thin, smooth skin that turns yellow-orange when ripe.
• Kamyla/ Lala Gold: It is a rounder, larger fruit than other varieties. It also has a thick
arrange flesh.
Kapoho Papaya
Sunrise/ Strawberry Kamyla/ Lala Gold Rainbow
Male Female
Site Selection:
• Papayas thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soils.
Variety Selection:
• Popular varieties include Solo, Red Lady, and Sunrise.
Choose based on market demand and climatic suitability.
Seed Preparation:
• High-quality seeds are essential for healthy plants. Seeds
can be treated with fungicide to prevent diseases before
ESTABLISHING PAPAYA planting.
CULTIVATION Land Preparation:
• Clear and prepare the land to ensure good drainage.
• Add organic compost or manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting:
• Plant seeds in raised beds or direct into the field, spacing
about 2-3 meters apart.
• Regular watering is required for germination and seedling
growth.
• Maintenance:
• Irrigation: Papayas need frequent watering, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilization: Provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers for
optimal growth.
Types of Fertilizers
• Nitrogen (N):
• Encourages vegetative growth (leaves and stems).
• Common options: Urea, ammonium sulfate.
• Phosphorus (P):
• Promotes root development and flowering.
• Common options: Single super phosphate (SSP), di-ammonium phosphate
(DAP).
• Potassium (K):
• Essential for fruit development, size, and quality.
• Common options: Muriate of potash (MOP), sulfate of potash (SOP).
• Micronutrients:
• Papaya plants also need trace elements like zinc, boron, magnesium, and
iron.
• These can be supplied through chelated fertilizers or foliar sprays like zinc
sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and boric acid.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.
• Pest and Disease Control: Watch for common issues like aphids, mites, and fungal diseases,
and treat them promptly.
• Pollination:
Some varieties require natural or manual pollination to ensure fruit development.
Natural Pollination
• Insects as Pollinators: Bees, moths, and other insects visit the flowers, transferring pollen
from male to female flowers.
• Wind Pollination: Since papaya pollen is light, it can also be carried by wind to nearby
flowers.
Manual Pollination Process
• Identifying Flowers:
• Papaya plants can have male, female, or hermaphroditic
(bisexual) flowers.
• Male flowers are long-stalked with multiple anthers, while
female flowers are larger and have a stigma to receive
pollen.
• Collecting Pollen:
• Use a small, soft brush or your fingers to gather pollen from
the anthers of a male or hermaphroditic flower.
• Do this early in the morning when the flowers are open, and
the pollen is fresh.
• Transferring Pollen:
• Gently brush the collected pollen onto the stigma of the
female flower. The stigma is often sticky, ensuring the
pollen adheres.
• Repeat the Process:
• Visit multiple female flowers to increase the chance of
successful pollination and fruit development.
• Harvesting:
• Papayas are usually ready for harvest 6-9 months after
planting.
• Harvest when the fruit begins to turn yellow.
• Post-Harvest Handling:
• Clean and grade fruits to remove any damaged or
unripe ones.
• Store in cool, dry conditions to maintain freshness
before transportation.
PESTS AND DISEASES OF
PAPAYA
Aphids: Tiny insects that suck sap from leaves, causing curling
and yellowing.
Control: Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introduce natural
predators like ladybugs.
Whiteflies: Small, winged insects that feed on sap and excrete
honeydew, leading to sooty mold.
Control: Use yellow sticky traps or neem oil sprays.
Mealybugs: Soft-bodied insects covered in a waxy coating,
feeding on sap and causing stunted growth.
Control: Remove manually with alcohol-dipped cotton or use
insecticidal sprays.
Spider Mites: Tiny arachnids that cause yellowing and
bronzing of leaves.
Control: Spray water to dislodge them or use neem oil.
• White scale (Pseudaulcaspis pentagona) thickly encrusts young trees from the bottom up.
Scrubbing with a stiff brush is effective if done early.
• Mites – several mites attack papaya. In serious cases spraying with appropriate insecticides
such as kelthane will control them.
• Root-knot nematode and soil-borne fungi causes replant problems. Soil disinfection with
Vapam or Methyl bromide is an effective but expensive measure.
• Papaya fruit fly (Toxotrypana curvicauda)
is the major insect pests of papaya
throughout tropical and subtropical regions.
• The insect deposits its eggs in the papaya
fruits. The developing seeds and the internal
portions of the fruit are fed on by the larvae
after 12 days of its emergence.
• Infested fruits subsequently turn yellow
and suddenly drop from the trees
prematurely.
Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV) is a significant viral disease affecting
papaya plants, caused by a potyvirus from the family Potyviridae.
Symptoms
• Leaves: Mosaic patterns, yellowing, distortion, and stunted growth.
• Fruits: Circular ringspot patterns, reduced size, and poor quality.
• Stems: Oily streaks and overall reduced vigor of the plant.
Transmission
• Aphids: The primary vectors, such as Myzus persicae and Aphis
gossypii, transmit the virus during feeding.
• Mechanical Means: Through contaminated tools or handling infected
plants.
• Seed Transmission: Rare but possible.
Management and Control
Cultural Practices:
• Remove and destroy infected plants (rouging).
• Use virus-free seeds and seedlings.
• Implement crop rotation to break the disease cycle.
Vector Control:
• Use insecticides or neem-based sprays to manage aphid
populations.
• Introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Resistant Varieties:
• Plant PRSV-resistant or genetically modified varieties
where legally permitted.
Mosaic – this is a very serious disease caused by a virus. It is transmitted by aphids.
Root Rot: Caused by waterlogged soil, leading to wilting and plant death.
• Control: Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Stem Rot: Fungal infection causing soft, decayed stems.
• Control: Remove infected parts and apply fungicides.
Bunchy top – is a mycoplasma disease transmitted by a hopper. The important practical thing
or measure is the control of the vectors.
Damping-off (Pythium ultimum) is caused by fungi.
• P. ultimum causes trunk rot in Queensland. Young papaya seedlings are highly susceptible to
damping-off, a disease caused by soil-borne fungi, Pythium aphanidermatum, P. ultimum,
Phytophthora palmivora, and Rhizoctonia sp., especially in warm, humid weather.
• The disease is favoured by high humidity including wet soil, poor drainage, deep sowing, poor soil
aeration, high nitrogen in the soil and inadequate sunshine.
• Infected seedlings will wilt, fall and then die.
• The environmental conditions outline above be improved by fumigating the soil with fungicides.
• Phytophthora fruit rot (Phytophthora palmivora) occurs in hot and humid seasons. It causes
dieback and root rot on young and adult plant finally dies.
• Also, it causes lesions and mould growth on the fruit which causes the fruit to drop.
• Phytophthora fruit rot can be controlled by crop rotation, selection of well drain soils, avoid
harming root or rogue and deeply bury the disease fruits.
• Rhizopus Fruit Rot (Rhizopus stolonifer) is a fungus that attack mechanically damaged fruits.
• It produces symptoms of visible black sporangia, and exudation of fluid from the rotting fruit
occurs.
• Anthracnose (Glomerella cingulata) attacks the petioles and the fruit. Glomerella (the perfect
form of Colletrotrichum) causes anthracnose which makes the fruit unattractive.
• Symptoms appear on the mature fruit and hence shorten its shelf life. The fungus frequently
produces light orange masses of spores.
• The disease can be controlled by the treating postharvest fruits with hot water at 49 ͦ C for
20minutes.
• It can also be sprayed with 80% Mancozeb (Dithane M- 45) W.P. 1:400 with spreader/sticker.
